Paul Jadick on sat 22 nov 97
Here is what I do to store my pots and my students. I have freestanding
heavy metal shelves (24"x48"x72") with fiberboard shelves. I bought a roll
of heavy plastic sold for drop cloth. Cut a piece that wraps around the
entire unit (top to floor) and crosses over in front. Cut slits at the top
corners and fold the back and sides on to the top (like wrapping a box)
tape or hold it down. The front opens like overlapping doors. After the
work is thrown it can be placed in the box even wet, if you don't have time
to let it dry. This avoids having to cover wet work. If you see that it
is taking to long to dry, open the front. It is also a good place to let
things with many joins dry more slowly or cure.
Building a box with framed doors to cover with the plastic is probably
nicer, but this was so easy, I did three in no time.
Georgia Tenore@
pjadick@worldnet.att.net
Sandra Dwiggins on tue 25 nov 97
Georgia---
What a great idea!!!! That is just the thing---it gives you most of the benefit
of a damp box without the cost and the fuss! Thank you!
I hope your students store as well under those conditions as your pots.
(I know we've had a lot of discussions about correct grammar on this list
but I can't help it---I'm an old book editor--and without the apostrophe to
denote that the work belongs to the students--your first sentence gave
me my first real laugh of the day!, thanks for that too!)
Sandy
Lori Pendenza on wed 12 aug 98
Can anyone advise me regarding the construction of a damp box ? Thanks.
Carolynn Palmer on thu 13 aug 98
Old coolers (the picnic kind) make good small damp boxes. Old refridgerators
make good large damp boxes. But my favorite is to enclose existing shelving
in blue styrofoam because then the damp box can be any size or configuration.
Carolynn Palmer, Somerset Center, Michigan
John Johnson on thu 13 aug 98
easiest damp box i've ever used is an old frig or up-right freezer. wire
shelving racks allow for even circulation of moist air. and no need for
electricity. to increase humidy in the box, just add a pail or tray of water!
not to mention, its recycled! seals well no need for adding plastic sheeting
and all that stuff! place pots on pieces of drywall or plywood for easy
removal from wire racks. anyway, i think they're great!
John Johnson in WV
Karen Gringhuis on fri 14 aug 98
If you have a spare ware cart, wrap it in plastic & voila.
Bobbi Bassett on sun 16 aug 98
What is blue styrofoam? Is it different than the white stuff I see around
here?
Bobbi in PA
Timothy Dean Malm on mon 17 aug 98
I've used the blue foam for simple slump molds on many occasions. It is
msde foe insulation. It can be easily cut. I usually use a rasp to angle
the edges and sand paper to then put a nice smoothness on it. It is not
pebbly.Tim Malm
John Palmquist on wed 26 jan 00
-------------------
Hi,
In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I =
like to
save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am =
ready
to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work =
with.
I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp =
box.
Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one? =
Thanks
in advance.
Diane in Conn.
Cindy Strnad on thu 27 jan 00
Diane,
A damp box is intended to allow ceramic work to dry slowly, not to keep clay
moist. When I want to keep something very moist, I wrap it in several layers
of heavy gauge plastic and keep it in a cool, dark place. Plastic does
breathe a bit, the the thinner varieties breath more, as you would expect.
Even the heavy wrapping won't keep clay soft indefinitely, but it helps.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
Custer, SD
Joyce Lee on thu 27 jan 00
John Palmquist wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I like
> save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am ready
> to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work wit
> I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp box
> Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one? Thank
> in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
hey Diane......you'll probably get many suggestions but just in
case.....I use a discarded, non-working refrigerator for a damp
box....very well insulated.........I also use a set of shelves that are
draped with heavy plastic....the kind that comes on rolls from
WalMart..I then also lay lighter plastic (bags etc) over each pot or
roll clay up in them and then put on shelf......
Joyce
in the Mojave
Mark & Pauline Donaldson-Drzazga on thu 27 jan 00
----- Original Message -----
From: John Palmquist
To:
Sent: 26 January 2000 21:46
Subject: Damp Box
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
Hi,
In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I
like to
save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am
ready
to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work
with.
I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp
box.
Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one?
Thanks
in advance.
Diane in Conn.
Hi,
you don't need a damp box, even completely dry pieces can be resusitated by
simply running under water and wrapping inwetted newspaper. A one inch thick
slab will take about 6 - 8 hours to become pliable and totaly useable. Thin
pieces take about half an hour from being too stiff to use. Old fridges or
freezers can be used, but in my opinion they take up space and newspaper is
easier and quicker.
Happy potting Marek http://www.moley.uk.com
Kris Cummings on thu 27 jan 00
Ice chests make great damp boxes. Wrap the clay slabs, or handbuilt piece
in plastic and close the lid. You can choose from a variety of sizes.
----------
>From: John Palmquist
>To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
>Subject: Damp Box
>Date: Wed, Jan 26, 2000, 1:46 PM
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I like
to
> save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am ready
> to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work
with.
> I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp
box.
> Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one?
Thanks
> in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
elizabeth priddy on thu 27 jan 00
the cheapest way to do this is to use a sturdy
cardboard box and put a garbage bag inside it.
the box will provide the spport, the bag the
moisture seal. if you use a drawstring bag,
you can close that instead of a new layer of
plastic over the top.
damp boxes like the ones bakers use as proof
boxes, are really expensive, but worth it.
---
Elizabeth Priddy
email: epriddy@usa.net
http://www.angelfire.com/nc/clayworkshop
Clay: 12,000 yrs and still fresh!
On Wed, 26 Jan 2000 16:46:05 John Palmquist wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>-------------------
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I like t
>save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am ready
>to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work with
>I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp box.
>Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one? Thanks
>in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
>
--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Earl Brunner on thu 27 jan 00
Why don't you spray the scrapes before you store them away for another day?
That way they will still be moist when you are ready to work with them.
John Palmquist wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I like
> save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am ready
> to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work wit
> I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp box
> Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one? Thank
> in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
John Rodgers on thu 27 jan 00
Almost any plastic container with a snapon lid will work as a damp box. You want
something that will simply seal and allow the internal atmosphere to saturate an
stabilize uniformly with moisture. The clay will stay damp.!
Pack yourself off to Wally World and there your will find all sizes and shapes o
snap lidded boxes perfect for the job.
If you are going to be a very long time before you open the box again, you might
want to put a smaller box inside with a little water in it to maintain air
saturation.
John Rodgers
Birmingham, AL where Friday the humidity will be in the form of heavy snow!!
John Palmquist wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I like
> save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am ready
> to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work wit
> I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp box
> Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one? Thank
> in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
Jean Todd on thu 27 jan 00
Here in Australia the greengrocers (Vegitable and fruit dealers) get their
broccoli delivered in polystyrene boxes with no holes and nice fitting lids.
Sometimes they give them away or sell them for a small amount. They are
excellent for keeping clay damp for a few days and evenning out dampness of
a hand built piece or a leather hard piece.. When I throw and cannot get
back to turning for a few days or a week these boxes are just great.
Jean
"Lang may your lum reek"
Maggie Woodhead on thu 27 jan 00
Kia Ora!
For years I have used an old refrigerator, bought in about '61 it served
us then was given away when we treated ourselves to a newer better
model. The recipients were moving so gave it back to us and I put it in
the pottery for use as a damp cupboard. Switched off of course.
Still have it 20 odd years later and it works well, will hold pots
at the dampness they have for quite a length of time and can also be
used to slow down a drying period or allow a pot to even out the
moisture in its various parts.
Come Christmas I switch it on and we load up the beer and wine and
soft drinks and ice for same until everyone goes home then unplug it and
back to its pottery use.
----Best Wishes Maggie----
maggiew@clear.net.nz
----- Original Message -----
From: John Palmquist
To:
Sent: Thursday, 27 January 2000 10:46
Subject: Damp Box
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
Hi,
In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I
like to
save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am
ready
to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to
work with.
I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a
damp box.
Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one?
Thanks
in advance.
Diane in Conn.
Carolyn Nygren Curran on thu 27 jan 00
The simplest "damp box" would probably be a plastic bag - the size and
strength to be determined by the quantity of clay. Just heave the clay
in the bag, and if it's a bit dry at that point, sprinkle on a bit of
water, close the bag. No need for anything fancy-dancy. CNC
Jeanette Harris on thu 27 jan 00
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I
>like to
>save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am ready
>to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work
>with.
>I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp
>box.
>Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one?
>Thanks
>in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
Hi, Diane,
There are commercially produced damp boxes that are listed in clay/glaze
supply catalogs, but they are very pricey.
I have seen old refrigerators and freezers used for the same purpose in art
schools and art centers. As long as the seals are in good shape, they work
well. I recycled a dishwasher into my studio to serve as a dampbox and
have cut plasterboard to fit on the roll-out shelf wheels.
I would think that for a small amount of clay leftovers, you could even use
a picnic cooler. You really just want to maintain the moisture in a
tightly sealed container.
Good luck,
Jeanette Harris
the Gallaghers on thu 27 jan 00
I have heard and seen such a thing at a workshop, I can't recall the name of
the potter unfortunetly.
She had taken a plastic box with a good fitting lid, relatively airtight,
and in it poured a layer of plaster about 2 inches thick and allowed to
fully cure and dry out. Everytime she wanted to save some pieces she would
moisten the plaster to the point of wet but not free flowing water. The
pieces placed into the box stayed at a nice leather hard state perfect for
assembly. It was not necessary to wrap the pieces in plastic, just lay them
carefull onto the plaster.
I liked this idea alot, and have made one myself. Rubbermaid or other
similar type storage boxes work well. If mold occurs, then bleach is used
to remove it.
Michelle In Oregon
-----Original Message-----
From: John Palmquist
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 1:46 PM
Subject: Damp Box
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
Hi,
In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay. I
like to
save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I am
ready
to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to work
with.
I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a damp
box.
Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make one?
Thanks
in advance.
Diane in Conn.
Dale A. Neese on fri 28 jan 00
When I recycled all that slip and scraps from those large plastic trash
cans, I turned them into damp cans. Using several sizes of Plasti-bats and
stilts made from plastic containers of various sizes, I can stack a days
worth of thrown and altered shapes that I hand carve into candle lanterns in
the shelves. I keep about an inch of water in the bottom of the plastic can
and put a plastic dry cleaning bag over the rim of the can before I put the
lid on. The clay shapes stay evenly moist and just the right consistency for
carving later in the week.
Dale Tex
ferenc jakab on fri 28 jan 00
I've been following this discussion and all the techniques are quite good.
my only comment is that I use old sheets towel etc. because then id don't
have to pick wet, torn off pieces of paper out of the clay when unwrapping.
Feri.
WHew536674@cs.com on fri 28 jan 00
Another solution for a damp box is an old refrigerator. It obviously doesn't
have to work. Put bowls of water in it to keep it humid, and depending on
the size, keep any work in it that you are going back to. We used an old
freezer at school to keep mixed clay in. Did the job, as long as it was
covered with plastic.
Joyce A
Donald G. Goldsobel on sat 29 jan 00
In the fish departments of the super markets, fish is shipped in large
insulated tight fitting, lidded boxes. They throw them away as they are not
recycled. Yhey give them away. Just wash and air for a day.
I get a new one every six months. They don't like to be in the sun, last a
long time inside. If you put a wet slab of plaster in the bottom your
pieces and scrap clay will stay moist for months.
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Here in Australia the greengrocers (Vegitable and fruit dealers) get their
>broccoli delivered in polystyrene boxes with no holes and nice fitting lids.
>Sometimes they give them away or sell them for a small amount. They are
>excellent for keeping clay damp for a few days and evenning out dampness of
>a hand built piece or a leather hard piece.. When I throw and cannot get
>back to turning for a few days or a week these boxes are just great.
>
>Jean
>"Lang may your lum reek"
>
Sandra Tesar on tue 1 feb 00
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> -------------------
> Hi,
> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay.
I like
> save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I
am ready
> to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to
work wit
> I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a
damp box
> Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make
one? Thank
> in advance.
> Diane in Conn.
I use slabs and keep them in large rubbermaid boxes, damp cloths between
them, plastic over or under as needed. They keep for months with
occassional spraying....Sandy on Keel Mountain, AL USA
________________________________________________________________
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Teresa Speakman on wed 2 feb 00
Dianne, Any cabinet, such as metal pantries or buffet chests, lined with
plastic work great. put a dishpan of water inside to maintain humidity. I
have heard of using old refrigerators also. Look at thrift shops for cheap
cabinets. - Teresa in Ohio
> From: Sandra Tesar
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2000 14:16:08 EST
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Damp Box
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>> -------------------
>> Hi,
>> In my work I usually have LOTS of leftover pieces of slabbed clay.
> I like
>> save these pieces for another day/project but always find that when I
> am ready
>> to use them(even sometimes only after a few days) they are too dry to
> work wit
>> I do end up spraying them to soften but I heard of something called a
> damp box
>> Anyone know of such a beast? And of course the cheapest way to make
> one? Thank
>> in advance.
>> Diane in Conn.
>
>
> I use slabs and keep them in large rubbermaid boxes, damp cloths between
> them, plastic over or under as needed. They keep for months with
> occassional spraying....Sandy on Keel Mountain, AL USA
> ________________________________________________________________
> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:
> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
>
Jane Murray-Smith on wed 6 jul 05
Hi, I recall that Lana Wilson had a great idea for making a damp box by
just pouring potters plaster into a tupperware tote. The parts I can't
recall are... do you need to let it cure (then redampen the plaster), or
can you start to use it the moment the plaster is hard ? And, what is
recommened as a barrier (if anything), between the plaster and the clay?
Thanks, Jane
Vince Pitelka on wed 6 jul 05
> Hi, I recall that Lana Wilson had a great idea for making a damp box by
> just pouring potters plaster into a tupperware tote. The parts I can't
> recall are... do you need to let it cure (then redampen the plaster), or
> can you start to use it the moment the plaster is hard ? And, what is
> recommened as a barrier (if anything), between the plaster and the clay?
Jane -
You can use it as soon as the plaster cures, and you don't really need
anything between the plaster and the pots, but it would probably be a good
idea to use some kind of barrier. You could use some of that perforated
plastic shelf liner, or really any kind of synthetic fabric that will not
rot.
The plaster lined "damp boxes" are good if you do not want your pots to
stiffen even slightly. I use a variety of plastic snap-lid storage boxes as
damp boxes, and I don't put any plaster in them. They will keep the pots
damp with very little change for a week or longer, depending on how many
pots are in there.
In early February I made some slab-built "oil cans" pouring vessels, and put
them in a snap-lid plastic storage box to dry slowly. Then I broke my leg
and forgot all about them. Several months later, my studio assistant Wes
Smith asked me if I had anything I wanted bisque fired, and I remembered the
oil cans. They had stiffened quite a bit, but they were still damp inside
those plastic boxes.
I always work in series, so I will make all the the parts for at half-dozen
similar pouring vessels - usually 8 to 12 parts for each vessel. I used to
cover up all the parts with plastic, but they were so vulnerable, and it was
hard to remember what was where. Last fall I went to Walmart (sometimes
it's the only place that has what you need) and bought an assortment of
different sizes and shapes of plastic storage boxes, four of each. What an
epiphany! I've become dependant on them, and now when I go to teach
handbuilding workshops, I ask that they provide several of those plastic
boxes. It just makes things SO MUCH EASIER!
For an institutional damp box, I still prefer a big cabinet, or a recycled
institutional refrigerator, but for home studio, I don't see how you can
beat those plastic storage boxes.
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee Technological University
Smithville TN 37166, 615/597-6801 x111
vpitelka@dtccom.net, wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka/
http://www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/
DJ Brewer on fri 2 jul 10
I use a busted refrigerator in my studio for a damp box. It is
awesome. I set a bowl of water inside the freezer and a couple inside
the fridge. I spritz inside each a few times to add to the humidity and
shut the door. I have a facejug in there that has been slowly drying
for over a month now. The surface is just now starting to show signs of
drying. I dry my face mugs and face jugs in there to keep them from
drying out too quickly and cracking. I highly recommend busted
refrigerators for damp boxes. I don't have it plugged in. The
insulation of the fridge keeps everything inside nice and moist. I
cover things with plastic if I want them to dry even slower.
much love
DJ
On 7/2/2010 9:24 PM, Dana & Chris Trabka wrote:
> Gay,
>
> I have a set of "mobile" shelves from COSTCO. You should be able to
> see them
> in most smaller grocery specialty markets. For one of my shelves I
> have two
> layers of construction grade plastic. The first layer goes around 3 sides
> and the top. the second layer goes around three sides and the top. As a
> result each end has one layer of plastic, the two sides have two
> layers of
> plastic. A pot will take almost 2 weeks to dry in this "damp box". It's
> great for assembled pieces. The "mobile" shelves: $90.00. The plastic
> $10.00. The nice part, it's mobile.
>
> Chris
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Gay Judson"
> To:
> Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 1:37 PM
> Subject: damp box
>
>
>> I was in the Container Store today and saw a great product for a damp
>> box--for the affluent. They have a wrap-all-around cover for their
>> Metro shelves (tall, deep shelves) that has a front flap that rolls
>> down and zips shut and rolls up for clear, open access. Designed for
>> garage storage it seems like the perfect solution for the studio. I
>> think the wrap-around part (not including the shelves (which I already
>> have) is about $48. I think it is called "Stor-Pac", with the shelves
>> it is about $250.
>> Gay Judson in San Antonio where it is usually dry but we've had rain,
>> rain, rain lately even before Alex
>
Vince Pitelka on fri 2 jul 10
Since I started using plastic storage boxes in place of damp boxes or
plastic sheeting, I would never turn back, but perhaps it is just especiall=
y
well-suited to the kind of handbuilding I do. Plastic snap-lid storage boxe=
s
are available in so many sizes and shapes, and they make perfect damp boxes=
.
Some people pour plaster in the bottom, and that seems a hare-brained
notion. Just put a cloth in the bottom to absorb any condensation that
drips down the sides. If you have a variety of sizes on hand, they are a
flexible solution adaptable to whatever combination of forms you are workin=
g
on. Obviously, for some people doing high-production, the plastic storage
boxes would not work, and a true damp box or covered shelf unit would be a
better solution.
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft
Tennessee Tech University
vpitelka@dtccom.net; wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka
Gay Judson on fri 2 jul 10
I was in the Container Store today and saw a great product for a damp
box--for the affluent. They have a wrap-all-around cover for their
Metro shelves (tall, deep shelves) that has a front flap that rolls
down and zips shut and rolls up for clear, open access. Designed for
garage storage it seems like the perfect solution for the studio. I
think the wrap-around part (not including the shelves (which I already
have) is about $48. I think it is called "Stor-Pac", with the shelves
it is about $250.
Gay Judson in San Antonio where it is usually dry but we've had rain,
rain, rain lately even before Alex
Dana & Chris Trabka on fri 2 jul 10
Gay,
I have a set of "mobile" shelves from COSTCO. You should be able to see the=
m
in most smaller grocery specialty markets. For one of my shelves I have two
layers of construction grade plastic. The first layer goes around 3 sides
and the top. the second layer goes around three sides and the top. As a
result each end has one layer of plastic, the two sides have two layers of
plastic. A pot will take almost 2 weeks to dry in this "damp box". It's
great for assembled pieces. The "mobile" shelves: $90.00. The plastic
$10.00. The nice part, it's mobile.
Chris
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gay Judson"
To:
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 1:37 PM
Subject: damp box
>I was in the Container Store today and saw a great product for a damp
> box--for the affluent. They have a wrap-all-around cover for their
> Metro shelves (tall, deep shelves) that has a front flap that rolls
> down and zips shut and rolls up for clear, open access. Designed for
> garage storage it seems like the perfect solution for the studio. I
> think the wrap-around part (not including the shelves (which I already
> have) is about $48. I think it is called "Stor-Pac", with the shelves
> it is about $250.
> Gay Judson in San Antonio where it is usually dry but we've had rain,
> rain, rain lately even before Alex
Marcia Selsor on sat 3 jul 10
Gay,
I taped heavy plastic on one of my "bakery carts with a substantial =3D
overlay in the front that I can leave open when filling the shelves.
Duct tape and plastic..much cheaper.
Marcia
On Jul 2, 2010, at 12:37 PM, Gay Judson wrote:
> I was in the Container Store today and saw a great product for a damp
> box--for the affluent. They have a wrap-all-around cover for their
> Metro shelves (tall, deep shelves) that has a front flap that rolls
> down and zips shut and rolls up for clear, open access. Designed for
> garage storage it seems like the perfect solution for the studio. I
> think the wrap-around part (not including the shelves (which I already
> have) is about $48. I think it is called "Stor-Pac", with the shelves
> it is about $250.
> Gay Judson in San Antonio where it is usually dry but we've had rain,
> rain, rain lately even before Alex
>=3D20
Marcia Selsor
http://www.marciaselsor.com
Snail Scott on sat 3 jul 10
On Jul 3, 2010, at 7:03 AM, Marcia Selsor wrote:
> I taped heavy plastic on one of my "bakery carts with a substantial
> overlay in the front that I can leave open when filling the shelves...
I use 1" foam board to make boxes around
my wire shelving. I take it away when I want
stuff to dry, but in the winter, I put a 20 or 40 watt
incandescent light bulb underneath the bottom
shelf, to keep work in progress from freezing.
It doesn't take much heat to raise the temperature
a lot in an enclosed small space like that.
-Snail
Marcia Selsor on sat 3 jul 10
I use Vince's plastic storage containers for damp storage as well. These =
=3D
work great. I use the plastic around the bakery cart for slow dryinging =3D
a lot of work.
Marcia
On Jul 2, 2010, at 11:21 PM, Vince Pitelka wrote:
> Since I started using plastic storage boxes in place of damp boxes or
> plastic sheeting, I would never turn back, but perhaps it is just =3D
especially
> well-suited to the kind of handbuilding I do. Plastic snap-lid storage =
=3D
boxes
> are available in so many sizes and shapes, and they make perfect damp =3D
boxes.
> Some people pour plaster in the bottom, and that seems a hare-brained
> notion. Just put a cloth in the bottom to absorb any condensation =3D
that
> drips down the sides. If you have a variety of sizes on hand, they =3D
are a
> flexible solution adaptable to whatever combination of forms you are =3D
working
> on. Obviously, for some people doing high-production, the plastic =3D
storage
> boxes would not work, and a true damp box or covered shelf unit would =3D
be a
> better solution.
> - Vince
>=3D20
> Vince Pitelka
> Appalachian Center for Craft
> Tennessee Tech University
> vpitelka@dtccom.net; wpitelka@tntech.edu
> http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka
>=3D20
Rob Addonizio on sun 4 jul 10
I too use a lot of storage boxes. They are great for slow drying bonsai p=
=3D
ots and=3D20
the like. One word of caution though, they are not entirely airtight, so =
=3D
I check=3D20
them daily. A spritz of water works great, and I cut floor tile to use as=
=3D
a bat to=3D20
rest my piece on. Be careful with putting paper in it, as it will absorb =
=3D
moisture.=3D20
To aid in drying, you can replace paper daily and it will assist in takin=
=3D
g out just a=3D20
bit at a time. I use latex on feet and other attachments to keep them fro=
=3D
m=3D20
drying too fast. I LOVE using these containers!
Rob Addonizio
Taiko Earth Pottery
www.taikoearth.com
gayle bair on sun 4 jul 10
My space is limited so I also use tubs and whether in use or not in use =3D
they stack so take up very little room. The liners I use are hardiboard =3D
cut to size on the floor of the tub. If I want to keep pieces =3D
leatherhard a wet sponge along the side and/or spray the walls with =3D
water works very well. The water drips down the walls to the bottom =3D
under the hardiboard. Often I'll lay newspaper over the pieces and =3D
spray it with water. The moisture content stays consistent for as long =3D
as needed. I left a tub this way for 4 months and when I came back to it =
=3D
the pieces were still leatherhard. Now realize I'm in the Great NorthWet =
=3D
so your milage will vary.
Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island WA
Tucson AZ
gayle@claybair.com
www.claybair.com
On Jul 4, 2010, at 7:55 AM, Rob Addonizio wrote:
> I too use a lot of storage boxes. They are great for slow drying =3D
bonsai pots and=3D20
> the like. One word of caution though, they are not entirely airtight, =3D
so I check=3D20
> them daily. A spritz of water works great, and I cut floor tile to use =
=3D
as a bat to=3D20
> rest my piece on. Be careful with putting paper in it, as it will =3D
absorb moisture.=3D20
> To aid in drying, you can replace paper daily and it will assist in =3D
taking out just a=3D20
> bit at a time. I use latex on feet and other attachments to keep them =3D
from=3D20
> drying too fast. I LOVE using these containers!
>=3D20
> Rob Addonizio
> Taiko Earth Pottery
> www.taikoearth.com
Lili Krakowski on tue 1 mar 11
Carol.
Think of it this way. What are all the ways you got your mother angry =3D
by NOT doing properly to dry out your sneakers or bathing suit. ALL =3D
these methods work to keep clay damp.
When you wrap double wrap, triple wrap in plastic the clay still "gives =3D
up" its water content, but now the water is trapped on the outside =3D
surface of the clay, between it and the plastic. the body of the pot =3D
dries...the surface is soaked and slimy.
What you would do to the plaster--though 1" is little--would be to wet =3D
it-- Just pour some water on it. The water will evaporate, it will stay =
=3D
in the box, and your clay will stay damp.
I am NOT a fan of plaster in damp boxes. When plaster is wet for too =3D
long--as we all have learned from bathroom walls--it molds and turns =3D
soft, and chips. And you do not want plaster chips in your clay.
I use Styrofoam picnic coolers as dampboxes. And put a wet sponge, or =3D
piece of wet foam rubber in the box too. Works very well. =3D20
One also can make a little duckwalk type slated platform for the pots to =
=3D
stand on...and keep water underneath.
And if your co-op studio has this drying-out-too-fast problem, then =3D
everyone has it, and you might consider finding a discarded fridge on =3D
the street some night, and bringing it in to use as a dampbox. Always =3D
has worked for me.
Lili Krakowski
Be of good courage
Russel Fouts on thu 3 mar 11
Belgium is one giant damp box but don't everyone move here. It's our =3D
little secret. ;0)
Ru
Russel Fouts
Mes Potes & Mes Pots
Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 2 223 02 75
Mobile: +32 476 55 38 75
http://www.mypots.com
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